Armed Security Officer

Sentara Hospitals•Suffolk, VA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and property at the assigned facility. The role includes proactive patrols, access control, incident response, de-escalation of disruptive behavior, and collaboration with clinical staff and local law enforcement. Officers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and effective responses in high-stress healthcare environments. The Armed Security Officer performs the duties of an unarmed officer and must exercise discretion regarding weapon use. A weapon may be used only in an extreme attack after all nonviolent options have been exhausted. The Senior Armed Security Officer also serves as a resource for junior team members, supports local leadership, helps train new team members, and ensures day-to-day operations continue in the absence of an onsite supervisor. The senior role is open only to internal Sentara security colleagues and requires completion of Sentara training courses, including Handle with Care, and other fitness-for-duty evaluations as prerequisites.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Handle with Care (HWC) certification through Workday Learning.
Certified Healthcare Security Officer (CHSO) certification from the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS).
State DMV Motor Vehicle Record and a current valid driver’s license.
One of the following: Private Security Services Registration – Armed with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), or Private Protective Services/Armed certification with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
At least 1 year of security experience.
For the Senior Armed Security Officer role: current Sentara security colleague; completion of Sentara training courses such as Handle with Care and other fitness-for-duty evaluations.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and property at the assigned facility.
Conduct proactive patrols and manage access control.
Respond to incidents and de-escalate disruptive behavior.
Assist clinical staff in managing aggressive, combative, or disruptive patients or visitors using approved de-escalation techniques.
Enforce enterprise policies, rules, and regulations fairly and professionally.
Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders when necessary.
Exercise discretion in weapon use; use a weapon only in extreme situations after all nonviolent options have been exhausted.
As a Senior Armed Security Officer, serve as a resource for junior team members, support local leadership, help train new team members, and ensure day-to-day operations are carried out in the absence of an onsite supervisor.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans
Adoption, fertility, and surrogacy reimbursement up to $10,000
Paid time off and sick leave
Paid parental and family caregiver leave
Emergency backup care
Long-term and short-term disability and critical illness plans
Life insurance
401(k)/403(b) with employer match
Tuition assistance of $5,250 per year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
Student debt pay down up to $10,000
Pet insurance
Legal resources plan
Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria are met